Everest Closure proof private colleges have no place in Ontario

TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The forced closure of 14 Everest College campuses in Ontario is proof that private post-secondary institutions cannot be trusted with students' money or futures. The government announced it was revoking the college's license to operate in the province, but has yet to give detailed reasoning behind the decision.

"The closure of Everest College campuses adds another example to a long list of for-profit institutions leaving students high and dry," said Alastair Woods, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. "This should serve as a wakeup call to the province that private, for-profit career colleges have no place in post-secondary education in Ontario."

The closure of Everest College leaves over 2,400 students academically stranded after spending tens of thousands of dollars for education and training. Recently, the Ontario government made the Ontario Tuition Grant available to students at private career colleges, including Everest, potentially wasting precious public funds on an institution that can no longer operate in the province.

"The futures of thousands of students have been put in jeopardy because of this event and more importantly, because the government has allowed private educators like Everest College to operate here," said Woods. "The government should focus on supporting public post-secondary colleges and universities instead of private colleges."

The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario is the largest and oldest student organization in Ontario, representing more than 350,000 college and university students in all regions of the province.

SOURCE Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario

Alastair Woods, Chairperson: 647-378-8942 (cell), 416-925-3825 (office) or [email protected]